Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular seasonal vegetable in our region. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya and إنتاج تقاوى البرسيم الحجازي many more names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt before Christ and was a staple food since the times of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya refers to "vegetables suitable for the King' according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was sick. After drinking the hot soup every day his condition was healed. Cleopatra is also believed to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its numerous close cousins can be found in Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical regions all over the world.
It is cultivated as an annual. It will grow to about a meter tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods and leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is extremely durable and grows quickly. It is a relative to okra and grows in the same conditions like okra. However, it doesn't need shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in the green house lattice
Do you wish to grow some? It can be grown in all soil types and does not care about pH, but of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It's even able to grow in pots. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you plant the seeds where they will grow. Spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if bathed in hot water prior planting for at minimum a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. Once the plant has grown to about 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and fall to soil will remain dormant in the soil until the weather is appropriate and they will grow into next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is fairly pest and disease free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can share the leaves with you and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites but generally not an issue. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.
The leaves are extremely rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, or on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional that includes garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew made with cassava, rice, and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and made into tea. They can also be stored for future use in soups and stews for added flavor as well as to thicken dishes . It is available in Japan through health food shops as a healthy and nutritious tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods in the same manner as the okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted as having health benefits. It is a drink that can improve your immune system. Tea made from leaves can aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as to treat sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and abrasions.
Because of their long, strong stalks the Corchorus genus's members can be grown to produce Jute. This jute was used over the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was later used as a rope and as a bagging fabric. The tallest, unbranched stems were best for this. Stems were then soaked for many days, so that the vegetable matter would turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and sorted for use. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However many of its cousins can also be used for other reasons.
It is cultivated as an annual. It will grow to about a meter tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods and leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is extremely durable and grows quickly. It is a relative to okra and grows in the same conditions like okra. However, it doesn't need shade.Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in the green house lattice
Do you wish to grow some? It can be grown in all soil types and does not care about pH, but of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It's even able to grow in pots. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you plant the seeds where they will grow. Spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if bathed in hot water prior planting for at minimum a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. Once the plant has grown to about 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and fall to soil will remain dormant in the soil until the weather is appropriate and they will grow into next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is fairly pest and disease free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can share the leaves with you and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites but generally not an issue. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.
The leaves are extremely rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, or on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional that includes garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew made with cassava, rice, and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and made into tea. They can also be stored for future use in soups and stews for added flavor as well as to thicken dishes . It is available in Japan through health food shops as a healthy and nutritious tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods in the same manner as the okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted as having health benefits. It is a drink that can improve your immune system. Tea made from leaves can aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as to treat sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and abrasions.
Because of their long, strong stalks the Corchorus genus's members can be grown to produce Jute. This jute was used over the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was later used as a rope and as a bagging fabric. The tallest, unbranched stems were best for this. Stems were then soaked for many days, so that the vegetable matter would turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and sorted for use. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However many of its cousins can also be used for other reasons.